Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 | 1:00 PM MT
Where: Nottingham Field – Greeley, Colo.
Watch/Listen: ESPN+ | KISU.org (Scott Gross, PxP & Kody Graves, Color)
Live Stats: UNC Sidearm Stats
The Game
Idaho State opens Big Sky Conference play with a road trip to Greeley to face Northern Colorado. The Bengals come in at 1–3 after earning their first win of the season in a 90–0 rout of Lincoln (CA). The Bears are 2–2 following a 26–23 overtime victory at Houston Christian. Saturday marks the 33rd all-time meeting between the programs, with Idaho State holding a 21–11 series lead.
Idaho State Bengals
The Bengals (1–3) rank second in the Big Sky in total offense at 455.8 yards per game and third in scoring at 41.8 points per contest. Quarterback Jordan Cooke leads the team with 757 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Davis Harsin has added 380 yards and a team-high seven scoring passes. Michael Shulikov has been the top receiver with 323 yards and three touchdowns, and Ian Duarte has a team-best 20 catches.
On the ground, Dason Brooks anchors the rushing attack with 212 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a 132-yard effort at UNLV. Defensively, Rylan Leathers (36 tackles) and Nathan Reynolds (32) lead the charge, while Mason Young has chipped in an interception and a fumble return touchdown. The Bengals have totaled 10 sacks and six takeaways on the season.
Special teams remain a strength, as kicker Trajan Sinatra is perfect on the year with five field goals, including a 56-yarder at New Mexico that ties for third-longest in program history.
Northern Colorado Bears
The Bears (2–2) are averaging 346.0 yards of offense and 19.3 points per game. Quarterback Eric Gibson has completed 66 percent of his passes for 750 yards and two touchdowns, while Peter Costelli adds 92 yards and a 60-yard scoring strike. Carver Cheeks leads the receiving corps with 289 yards, while Brayden Munroe (173 yards, 1 TD) and Charles Garrison (118 yards, 1 TD) add depth.
On the ground, Mathias Price has rushed for 199 yards and a touchdown, and Aliou-Rocco Traore adds 112 yards and another score. Defensively, Hudson Voggesser paces UNC with 33 tackles, while Ezra Ekuban has a team-best two sacks. The Bears have forced three interceptions, including a 33-yard return by Darrell Bryant Jr. Kicker Jacob Willig has connected on 7-of-9 field goals with a long of 48.
Coaches' Corner
Head Coach Cody Hawkins emphasized the importance of the conference opener and the challenge Northern Colorado presents under head coach Ed Lamb:
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On starting Big Sky play: "It does feel like a new season after kind of having the bye week… It's the start of Big Sky play and if you win your first conference game, it bodes really well for you in the long run."
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On Northern Colorado under Ed Lamb: "They're a much improved team coached by one of the best men in the profession and I have a ton of respect for all that they're doing."
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On Big Sky road challenges: "It's hard to win on the road in the Big Sky just because every place presents different challenges… At Northern Colorado, the unique parts are your locker room's really far away and they don't have lights, so it's always gonna be an afternoon game. You don't anticipate the crowd being a factor, but you know they're gonna punch you in the mouth like it's a prize fight."
Series History
Idaho State has historically fared better at home, with recent victories in Pocatello (2023, 2013, 2011) compared to more frequent losses in Greeley. The Bengals also enjoyed a dominant stretch in the 1950s, winning multiple meetings in a row, while recent matchups have produced close finishes such as the 2017 one‑point loss and the 2004 double‑overtime win.
Saturday's game is the 33rd meeting between Idaho State and Northern Colorado. The Bengals hold a 21–11 advantage in the all-time series.
Last 10 Meetings
2023 – Pocatello – W, 35-21
2022 – Greeley – L, 14-35
2019 – Pocatello – L, 26-20
2017 – Greeley – L, 43-42
2014 – Greeley – W, 46-12
2013 – Pocatello – W, 40-26
2012 – Greeley – L, 52-14
2011 – Pocatello – W, 50-20
2010 – Greeley – L, 35-21
2009 – Pocatello – L, 30-7
Last win in Greeley: 2014 (46-12)
By the Numbers
Idaho State ranks second in the Big Sky in total offense at 455.8 yards per game and third in scoring at 41.8 points per contest. The Bengals have scored 22 touchdowns in four games, averaging 41.8 points per contest. ISU is 17-for-20 in the red zone (85%) with 14 touchdowns. Quarterback duo Jordan Cooke and Davis Harsin have combined for 1,137 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Michael Shulikov leads the team in receiving yards (323), while Ian Duarte tops in receptions (20). Running back Dason Brooks averages 8.5 yards per carry and 70.7 rushing yards per game. Linebackers Rylan Leathers (36 tackles) and Nathan Reynolds (32) pace the defense. The defense has generated 10 sacks and six takeaways. Kicker Trajan Sinatra is a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, including a 56-yarder that ties for the third-longest in school history.
In comparison, Idaho State has shown a more explosive offense, averaging over 100 more yards per game than Northern Colorado, with a particular edge in the passing game. The Bears counter with a more disciplined defense, allowing nearly 100 fewer yards per contest and holding opponents to under 18 points per game. While ISU has been perfect on field goals and strong in the red zone, UNC's edge in time of possession and penalty discipline could play a pivotal role in a close matchup. a more explosive offense, averaging over 100 more yards per game than Northern Colorado, with a particular edge in the passing game. The Bears counter with a more disciplined defense, allowing nearly 100 fewer yards per contest and holding opponents to under 18 points per game. While ISU has been perfect on field goals and strong in the red zone, UNC's edge in time of possession and penalty discipline could play a pivotal role in a close matchup.
Up Next
Idaho State returns home to the ICCU Dome on Saturday, Oct. 4, hosting Montana in another Big Sky showdown. The game will kickoff at 6:00 PM and will be broadcast on Scripps Sports along with ESPN+
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